The Best Gardens in Greenville SC

As I sit in my gazebo enjoying my ice tea and all the flower beds full of fresh Spring blooms, I thought about some of my favorite gardens in Greenville and wanted to share them with you.  So, grab your sunhat and let me give you a tour of some of the beautiful gardens that make Greenville green!  Most of these are within walking distance of the B&B, though the SC Botanical Garden  and the many gardens in their 295 acres are worth the thirty mile drive.

Starting with the closest to the Bed & Breakfast:

1. Kilgore -Lewis House and Garden was built in the 1830’s and is the only historic home open to the public in Greenville.  While the docent-led tours of the home are limited, the public garden and accredited arboretum are open daily during daylight hours.  This beautiful home is located on 3.5 acres of garden with a small lake.  Owned by the Greenville Council of Garden Clubs, their hard work has created a truly stunning garden and is very popular for weddings in Greenville.  The Kilgore-Lewis House is located .4 miles from the Bed & Breakfast

2. The Rock Quarry Garden is a half mile from the bed & breakfast and is a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of downtown Greenville.  The sunken garden was converted from an old rock quarry in the 1930’s and is now 92 years old.  With an arched stone bridge, waterfalls, and a picturesque pond filled with koi fish, and surrounded by towering rock walls, this garden is one of Greenville’s hidden treasures and now includes a Koi pond!.  0.7 miles from Pettigru Place

3. The Cancer Survivor’s Park & Garden is a testament to the resilience and hope felt by those who have been touched by cancer.  This new park opened in 2018.  Tucked in by the Reedy River, it features The Walk of Hope, a winding path adorned with inspirational quotes and lush greenery, and The Healing Garden, home to therapeutic plants and water features designed to evoke a scene of peace and renewal.  Cancer Survivor’s Park is located .8 miles from the Bed & Breakfast.

4. Falls Park on the Reedy is the largest and most well-known park and garden in the city of Greenville.  The Carolina Foothills Garden Club and the City of Greenville worked for many years to restore the beauty of the downtown and provide a safe and welcoming gathering spot for the community.  This park and garden opened in 2004 and has truly become the centerpiece of the downtown.  Featuring the waterfall overlook and distinctive curved suspension bridge with their unique vantage points, the lush, 20-acre garden along the riverbanks showcases native flora.  1.0 mile from the Bed & Breakfast

For a fun comparison here the top photo is of the current state of Falls Park on the Reedy and the bottom is a 1907 postcard of the falls with a handwritten note “Why don’t you write?”

5. South Carolina Botanical Garden is located near Clemson University and this large 295-acre garden allows for a diverse collection of different gardens.  The SC Botanical Garden grounds are open to the general public from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year.  The Fran Hanson Visitor’s Center has maps, cold drinks and of course, you can’t miss the Garden Gift shop for your very own addition to your garden.  Whether you prefer a guided tour, or a self-guided visit, it is a magical garden full of fairies, flowers and fun.  (Just kidding about the fairies!) 30 miles from the Bed and Breakfast

Whether you are seeking serenity, inspiration, or a day of beauty and nature, the gardens of Greenville await your exploration.  Pack a picnic, bring along a good book and let nature work its magic on your soul.

 Recurring Weekly Events in June

Whiskey Wednesdays with Six and Twenty Distillery –  Join the Courtyard Downtown for a free tasting of Six and Twenty Distillery’s finest spirits!  Learn about the love story behind Six and Twenty while sampling all of their products. Led by Six and Twenty Distillery experts, this whiskey tasting will have you leaving in love with their high quality whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and gin!  This FREE event will take place in the lobby of the Courtyard Greenville Downtown, on Broad Street at 6:00PM.

Every Thursday night in NOMA Square – Downtown Alive  This free admission street party benefits the Metropolitan Arts Council,  and features local bands, all your favorite food trucks, and beer/wine service. 5:30 – 8:30PM

Every Friday Night in NOMA Square –   Main Street Friday  We have so much fun on Thursday nights, that we do it again on Friday nights.  This weekly block party in NOMA Square, features live music and dancing  5:30 – 9:30PM

Greenville Saturday Market – Main Street and McBee Street – Greenville’s favorite farmer’s market runs from May until October every Saturday from 8:00 AM until Noon.  About 75 vendors featuring seasonal produce, local meats, hand crafted items, baked goods, live music, kids area, and always something fun to do like cooking demonstrations, and great ideas to encourage eating local.

Saturday Wine Tastings at Northampton Wine and Dine – Freshly baked bread from The Wine Café and a selection of cheeses are served at this limited seating, along with that week’s uniquely curated selection of wines.  Reservations are required.

Calendar of June Events

Each week we have tried to select the events that will appeal to our guests.  For a full Calendar of events in the  the upstate area here is a link to the Greenville CVB.

June 1 – June 9

June 1- Turkish Food Festival at 300 South Main St from 11am-1pm will be a tasty way to try Mediterranean salads, kebabs, and baked goods.

June 1 – 2  Come cheer on the Drive, Greenville’s Minor league Red Sox affiliate, at Fluor Field downtown as they take on Rome.  The game Saturday night is at 7:05, and on Sunday at 3:05

June 1-2, and 6-9 – Falls Park – Upstate Shakespeare Festival – Love’s Labour’s Lost

Every spring and summer the Warehouse Players strive to bring Shakespeare to the people in a fun, educational, free, and accessible way. This year is no exception.  Producing two Shakespeare classics per year, the first for this summer will be Love’s Labour’s Lost.  Bring your lawn chair (or borrow ours), a picnic dinner, and pick the perfect spot in Fall’s Park for an incredible performance.  The shows run Thursday through Sunday nights for the run, and begin at 7:00 PM

June 1-2, and 6-9 – Centre Stage Greenville – Legally Blonde The Musical  Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the stage by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery.  A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.  Action packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!  Shows Thursday – Saturday nights at 8:00 PM, and on Sundays at 3:00 PM.

June 1-2. 6-9 – The Greenville Theatre – Jimmy Buffet Escape to Margaritaville   Come hear the hit songs of Jimmy Buffet brought to life in this hilarious new musical! Audiences will get a kick out of meeting two very different people; one that is extremely career-focused, and one that believes “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” who ultimately change each other’s lives in Paradise. Featuring hit songs like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” audience members and “parrotheads” alike will be falling in love and humming along to this perfect summer musical by comedian Mike O’Malley and Jimmy Buffet himself. Shows Thursday nights at 7:30, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00, and Sunday at 3:00.

June 1-2, 6-9  – The Warehouse Theatre – Assassins Do you like musicals by the greatest theatrical composer of our time?  Do you like dark comedies?  Then, you will probably really enjoy Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony-winning musical Assassins.  It explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States.  From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald and beyond, the stories of our country’s most successful and would-be assassins intersect in unexpected ways, creating a powerful, yet unnervingly funny look at some of the most shocking moments in US history. .

June 4 – 9 –  The Peace Center’s Broadway Series presents Mamma Mia!  For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with this tale of love, friendship, and identity, beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA.  Shows on Tues., Wed., and Thurs. at 7:30, Friday at 8:00, Saturday at 2:00 and 8:00, and  Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30.

June 8 – Enjoy the day at Fluor Field during the Greenville Mimosa Festival.  Tasting various mimosa flavors, beer, and wine while listening to live entertainment with plenty of food options available to purchase.

June 7 – 8 – Greenville Jazz Festival – Downtown Greenville along Main Street from Broad Street to Falls Park Drive – This free event features music and food to inspire visitors to learn and love jazz music.  Join in on the Second Line (parade) at the start of each day to kick-off the festivities.  Food and beverage sales will be available for purchase with taste tickets. Friday from 4:00 – 10:00 PM, and Saturday from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

June 7 – 18 – History Comes Alive with the 2024 Chautauqua Festival – Chautauqua believes stories should be told, and histories deserve to be heard.  Wouldn’t it be great to sit and chat with Mark Twain, or Harriet Tubman, or Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis?  The Chautauqua Festival does just that, celebrating culture, conversation, and critical thought, by bringing you voices from the past.   Each year brings a new group of incredibly interesting characters from our history, embodied by actors that have made it their mission to truly “become”  these figures and enlighten us all with their stories. Through a series of lectures and discussions held at various locations around the area, this years free event brings to you Charles Dickens, Cass Elliot, El Vaquero, “Stagecoach Mary” Fields, and Maria von Trapp.  Get ready to laugh, cry, and have an all-around good time. Click here to be directed to the Festival’s website to see show locations and times.

June 10 – June 16

June 11 – 16 – Come cheer on the Drive, Greenville’s Minor league Red Sox affiliate, at Fluor Field downtown as they take on Asheville.  The games Tues. – Sat. are at  7:05, and on Sunday at 3:05

June 7 – 18 – History Comes Alive with the 2024 Chautauqua Festival – Chautauqua believes stories should be told, and histories deserve to be heard.  Wouldn’t it be great to sit and chat with Mark Twain, or Harriet Tubman, or Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis?  The Chautauqua Festival does just that, celebrating culture, conversation, and critical thought, by bringing you voices from the past.   Each year brings a new group of incredibly interesting characters from our history, embodied by actors that have made it their mission to truly “become”  these figures and enlighten us all with their stories. Through a series of lectures and discussions held at various locations around the area, this year’s free event brings to you Charles Dickens, Cass Elliot, El Vaquero, “Stagecoach Mary” Fields, and Maria von Trapp.  Get ready to laugh, cry, and have an all-around good time. Click here to be directed to the Festival’s website to see show locations and times.

June 13 – 16 – Falls Park – Upstate Shakespeare Festival – Love’s Labour’s Lost

Every spring and summer the Warehouse Players strive to bring Shakespeare to the people in a fun, educational, free, and accessible way. This year is no exception.  Producing two Shakespeare classics per year, the first for this summer will be Love’s Labour’s Lost.  Bring your lawn chair (or borrow ours), a picnic dinner, and pick the perfect spot in Fall’s Park for an incredible performance.  The shows run Thursday through Sunday nights for the run, and begin at 7:00 PM

June 13 – 16 – Centre Stage Greenville – Legally Blonde The Musical  Harvard’s beloved blonde takes the stage by pink storm in this fun, upbeat story of self-discovery.  A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.  Action packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!  Shows Thursday – Saturday nights at 8:00 PM, and on Sundays at 3:00 PM

June 13 – 16 – The Greenville Theatre – Jimmy Buffet Escape to Margaritaville   Come hear the hit songs of Jimmy Buffet brought to life in this hilarious new musical! Audiences will get a kick out of meeting two very different people; one that is extremely career-focused, and one that believes “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” who ultimately change each other’s lives in Paradise. Featuring hit songs like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” audience members and “parrotheads” alike will be falling in love and humming along to this perfect summer musical by comedian Mike O’Malley and Jimmy Buffet himself. Shows Thursday nights at 7:30, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00, and Sunday at 3:00.

June 13 – 16 – The Warehouse Theatre – Assassins Do you like musicals by the greatest theatrical composer of our time?  Do you like dark comedies?  Then, you will probably really enjoy Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony-winning musical Assassins.  It explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States.  From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald and beyond, the stories of our country’s most successful and would-be assassins intersect in unexpected ways, creating a powerful, yet unnervingly funny look at some of the most shocking moments in US history

June 17 – 23

June 7 – 18 – History Comes Alive with the 2024 Chautauqua Festival – Chautauqua believes stories should be told, and histories deserve to be heard.  Wouldn’t it be great to sit and chat with Mark Twain, or Harriet Tubman, or Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis?  The Chautauqua Festival does just that, celebrating culture, conversation, and critical thought, by bringing you voices from the past.   Each year brings a new group of incredibly interesting characters from our history, embodied by actors that have made it their mission to truly “become”  these figures and enlighten us all with their stories. Through a series of lectures and discussions held at various locations around the area, this years free event brings to you Charles Dickens, Cass Elliot, El Vaquero, “Stagecoach Mary” Fields, and Maria von Trapp.  Get ready to laugh, cry, and have an all-around good time. Click here to be directed to the Festival’s website to see show locations and times.

June 19-23 – Fiat Freakout will be driving, meeting, and talking all things Fiat over this 5-day tour of the area including a car show and scenic drive.

June 21 & 22- Balloon Glow & Laser Show at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville will be your opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this colorful balloons as well as ride in a tethered balloon (weather permitting!) .  Food trucks, entertainment, and artisans will be there all day, but the magic happens at dusk.  For the Grand Finale each night after dusk… about 9pm we will have the fantastic Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser show where we will light up all the balloons in unison with crowd participatory “Count Downs”! This show incorporates Music and visually stunning coordinated burns by the Hot Air Balloons & Lasers.. creating a Glow!

June 22 – Westside Market with it’s 50,000 square feet will be hosting additional vendors wrapped around the build from 11am-4p during it’s June Vendor Market.  Along with food trucks and live entertainment you will be able to shop a variety of vintage, antique, hand-crafted, and more.

June 22 – June Fusion Dance will be at Social Latitude from 7pm to 2pm!  Get started with a beginner lesson at 7pm followed by the DJ mixing up the music all evening long to keep you moving.

June 20 – 23 – The Greenville Theatre – Jimmy Buffet Escape to Margaritaville   Come hear the hit songs of Jimmy Buffet brought to life in this hilarious new musical! Audiences will get a kick out of meeting two very different people; one that is extremely career-focused, and one that believes “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” who ultimately change each other’s lives in Paradise. Featuring hit songs like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” audience members and “parrotheads” alike will be falling in love and humming along to this perfect summer musical by comedian Mike O’Malley and Jimmy Buffet himself. Shows Thursday nights at 7:30, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00, and Sunday at 3:00.

June 20 – 23 – The Warehouse Theatre – Assassins Do you like musicals by the greatest theatrical composer of our time?  Do you like dark comedies?  Then, you will probably really enjoy Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony-winning musical Assassins.  It explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States.  From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald and beyond, the stories of our country’s most successful and would-be assassins intersect in unexpected ways, creating a powerful, yet unnervingly funny look at some of the most shocking moments in US history

June 24 – 30

June 25 – 30  Come cheer on the Drive, Greenville’s Minor league Red Sox affiliate, at Fluor Field downtown as they take on Asheville.  The games Tues. – Sat. are at  7:05, and on Sunday at 3:05

June 27 – 30 – The Warehouse Theatre – Assassins Do you like musicals by the greatest theatrical composer of our time?  Do you like dark comedies?  Then, you will probably really enjoy Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony-winning musical Assassins.  It explores the lives of nine men and women who either killed (or tried to kill) one of the Presidents of the United States.  From John Wilkes Booth to Lee Harvey Oswald and beyond, the stories of our country’s most successful and would-be assassins intersect in unexpected ways, creating a powerful, yet unnervingly funny look at some of the most shocking moments in US history.

June 29 – Greer Freedom Blast will be from 6pm to 10:30pm in Greer city park and will have a myriad of activities and entertainment focusing on the Veterans and those that keep this country enjoying our freedoms.  The dazzling Freedom Blast fireworks show, set to patriotic melodies in City Park, kicks off at 10:00 pm.

June 30- Smashmouth will be at Heritage Amphitheater for the Simply Freedom Fest, this free concert is held prior to a fireworks show.  Bring your lawn chairs (don’t worry, you can borrow ours) and enjoy the multi platinum band’s music as well as food and libations available for purchase.

Outdoor festivities and entertaining performances of all sorts will make this June one for the books!  When you’re ready to plan your stay, just give us a call or click below.